The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Just picked up an Edison Home Model D with Cygnet Horn. It has a Model H reproducer and sounds great! Finish is weak, but no case damage. Were these stained or just finished with shellack?

Congratulations on your new (to you) machine! If I recall correctly, the finish on most Homes from Model B and up was called "Antique Oak". If you're using Aniline stain, Van Dyke Brown will be a very good match. Then simply finish with shellac. It's pretty hard to tell in your photo the actual condition of the original finish. The decal seems like it's still there. If you can salvage the finish rather than a full-on refinish, that would be optimal. Even as-is, you have a nice machine there.

Regards,
Martin

Thanks for the info. This machine is a true attic find (bought it form the Great-Grandson of the original owner), The finish on the lid is still pretty good, but the finish on the case has flaked off, leaving me bare wood, except behind the decal. I am going to try to blend the finish rather than strip it and completely refinish. This is the first 2/4 minute machine I have owned in years and the first machine with a cygnet horn ever. I like the way the cygnet sounds. It came with 15 wax amberol cylinders and I have several BAs floating around from my Amberola 30. Next investment will be a model C reproducer and some 2 minute cylinders.

Is the pot metal bushing still good? Jerry

Surprisingly good. Runs smooth as silk. That was the first thing I checked, as these machines with no end gate are notorious for the bad mandrel bearing

Case has been stained and shellacked. Really brought out the Edison decal. My wife says this one is a keeper

Nicely done. Shows really well with all the wood trim in your house as well.

Bruce